Backstage Company Profile

Background

Overview

Backstage is a leading global casting platform and entertainment industry publication that connects performers, content creators, and behind-the-scenes professionals with casting directors and production teams across various media, including film, television, theater, commercials, and digital content. Established in 1960 in New York City, Backstage has evolved from a trade magazine for actors into a comprehensive online platform facilitating talent discovery and career development.

Mission and Vision

Backstage's mission is to empower creative professionals by providing them with the tools and opportunities necessary to advance their careers. The company envisions a more efficient and inclusive entertainment industry where talent and creators can seamlessly connect and collaborate.

Industry Significance

With over six decades of experience, Backstage has become a trusted resource in the entertainment industry, known for its extensive casting calls, industry insights, and career advice. Its platform hosts thousands of vetted casting calls weekly and supports a talent database exceeding 700,000 profiles, serving a diverse range of clients from independent filmmakers to major studios and global brands.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Talent Connection: Facilitate connections between creative professionals and casting opportunities across various media platforms.

Career Development: Provide resources and tools to support the professional growth of performers and creators.

Industry Innovation: Continuously enhance the platform's capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the entertainment industry.

Areas of Specialization

Casting Services: Offering a centralized hub for casting calls and job listings across film, television, theater, and digital media.

Talent Profiles: Enabling performers to showcase their work through customizable profiles featuring credits, headshots, and demo reels.

Content Creation: Supporting content creators in highlighting their work and connecting with casting directors and brands.

Key Technologies Utilized

Online Casting Platform: A robust digital platform that streamlines the casting process for both talent and casting professionals.

Self-Tape and Audition Tools: Integrated tools that allow for remote auditions and efficient review processes.

Search and Invite Features: Advanced search capabilities that enable casting professionals to find and invite suitable talent based on specific criteria.

Primary Markets Targeted

Performers and Creators: Actors, models, voiceover artists, and content creators seeking opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Casting Professionals: Casting directors, producers, and brands looking to hire talent for various projects.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Backstage has undergone several ownership changes and funding rounds throughout its history:

1986: Acquired by Billboard Publications, Inc., later becoming part of VNU Media, which rebranded as Nielsen Holdings.

2009: Sold by Nielsen to e5 Global Media, a joint venture formed by Guggenheim Partners and Pluribus Capital Management.

2011: Spun off from Prometheus Global Media to form an independent company, Backstage, LLC, backed by Guggenheim Partners.

2019: Received investment from private equity firm Ridgemont Equity Partners, fueling continued growth and acquisitions.

2022: Acquired by Cast & Crew Entertainment Services, a leading provider of production payroll and software solutions for the entertainment industry.

Utilization of Capital

The capital raised has been strategically utilized to:

Expand Service Offerings: Enhance the platform's features and capabilities to better serve users.

Acquire Complementary Platforms: Integrate additional services and expand market reach through strategic acquisitions.

Invest in Technology: Develop and implement advanced technologies to improve user experience and operational efficiency.

Pipeline Development

Key Developments

Expansion to Content Creators (2023): Launched dedicated profiles for content creators, enabling individuals who produce user-generated content (UGC), branded videos, and social media campaigns to showcase their work to casting directors, brand marketers, and production companies.

Acquisitions: Between 2019 and 2022, Backstage acquired several prominent creative marketplaces, including The Mandy Network, StarNow, Voice123, Coverfly, FilmFreeway, and ShareGrid, significantly expanding its service offerings and market presence.

Anticipated Milestones

Integration of Acquired Platforms: Continued integration of acquired platforms to provide a seamless user experience.

Technological Enhancements: Ongoing development of new features and tools to meet the evolving needs of the entertainment industry.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Online Casting Platform: A comprehensive digital platform that streamlines the casting process, offering features such as casting calls, talent profiles, and audition tools.

Self-Tape and Audition Tools: Built-in tools that allow for remote auditions, enabling talent to submit self-tapes and casting professionals to review them efficiently.

Search and Invite Features: Advanced search capabilities that enable casting professionals to find and invite suitable talent based on specific criteria, such as location, skills, and union status.

Significant Scientific Methods

Data Analytics: Utilization of data analytics to provide insights into casting trends, talent engagement, and platform performance.

Machine Learning Algorithms: Implementation of machine learning algorithms to enhance search functionalities and recommend suitable talent for casting calls.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

Joshua Ellstein: Chief Executive Officer

Michael Felman: President

Michael Madia: Chief Financial Officer

Siavash Shiva, JD: Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel

James Reynolds: Chief Technology and Product Officer

Professional Backgrounds and Contributions

Joshua Ellstein: As CEO, Ellstein has led Backstage through significant growth and strategic acquisitions, enhancing the company's position in the entertainment industry.

Michael Felman: Serving as President, Felman oversees the company's operations and strategic initiatives, contributing to its expansion and service diversification.

Michael Madia: As CFO, Madia manages the company's financial strategy, ensuring fiscal health and supporting investment in new technologies and services.

Siavash Shiva, JD: In his role as COO and General Counsel, Shiva ensures operational efficiency and legal compliance, facilitating smooth integration of acquisitions and new initiatives.

James Reynolds: As Chief Technology and Product Officer, Reynolds drives technological innovation, leading the development of new features and enhancements to the platform.

Leadership Changes

In January 2022, Backstage was acquired by Cast & Crew Entertainment Services, marking a significant transition in the company's leadership structure and strategic direction.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The online casting and talent marketplace industry is characterized by a competitive landscape with several key players offering similar services. The market has seen significant growth due to the increasing demand for digital solutions in talent acquisition and content creation.

Competitor Analysis

Casting Networks: Founded in 2002, Casting Networks provides a platform for casting professionals and talent to connect. It offers services similar to Backstage, including casting calls and talent profiles. Casting Networks generates approximately $10 million more in revenue compared to Backstage.

Playbill: Established in 1884, Playbill is a publication and online platform focusing on theater news and casting calls. It serves a niche market within the theater industry and has a strong brand presence.

ExploreTalent: Founded in 2003, ExploreTalent offers an online platform for actors and models to find casting opportunities. It operates in a similar space as Backstage but generates approximately $15 million less in revenue.

Competitive Landscape

Backstage differentiates itself through its comprehensive service offerings, extensive talent database, and long-standing reputation in the industry. The company's strategic acquisitions have further expanded its capabilities and market reach, positioning it as a leading platform in the entertainment industry.